‘Sherlock’ Series 3 May Not Air Until 2014

We sure hope mystery fans have been enjoying the inaugural season of CBS' 'Elementary,' because that might be the only 'Sherlock' fix they have for awhile. While British series typically take longer to produce and air, particularly those with such prolific stars as Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, new reports suggest that a third series of cult favorite 'Sherlock' may not air until late 2013, or even 2014 at the latest. What can we deduce is the cause of such a dastardly wait?

Those eagerly awaiting a third series of BBC favorite 'Sherlock' may be out in the cold just a bit longer. According to Entertainment Weekly, production of a third series has been delayed from January to March, accomodating the increasingly busy schedules of series stars Benedict Cumberbatch ('Star Trek Into Darkness') and Martin Freeman ('The Hobbit').

The delay will mean that new episodes won't air on the BBC until late 2013, which could be even longer for American fans. PBS may have to wait out the BBC's window, meaning that 'Sherlock' series 3 wouldn't air until early 2014, though nothing has yet been confirmed.

The 'Sherlock' delay is the latest in a series of surprising announcements regarding esteemed BBC programming, including a fourth season of 'Downton Abbey' and the recently announced end to 'Merlin.'

What say you? Are you upset by the wait for 'Sherlock' series 3? What other series are you awaiting the return of?